Jacksonville State breaks ground on new construction aimed at improving student experience

Jacksonville State University this week held a “Campus Transformation Celebration” to ceremonially break ground on three building projects that focus on improving where students dine, live and study. 

The projected completion date for the projects is fall 2024, according to a news release from the university. 

They are: 

• Jax State Dining Hall: It will be next to Curtiss Hall, according to the release, and will replace the Jack Hopper Dining Hall, which has been the university’s main cafeteria since 1961. It will feature both a traditional food line and several concept stations, and a modern seating setup. It will be operated by Sodexo; the general contractor is Brasfield & Gorrie; the architect is Williams Blackstock Architects; and the program manager is Kemp Management Services.  

• North Village Residence Hall: It will be the first new residence hall for JSU since Meehan Hall opened in 2010, and will be near Crow, Patterson and Sparkman halls. Its shared suites will feature two double-occupancy bedrooms with two bedrooms in each unit and will add 513 beds to university housing. The general contractor is Choate Construction; the architect is Niles Bolton & Associates; and the developer is RISE: A Real Estate Co.

• The Loring and Debbie White Football Complex: It will replace JSU Stadium’s existing field house and will include; state-of-the-art training facilities for student-athletes; coaches offices and meeting rooms; a JSU Football Hall of Fame; and new fan suites and stations. The general contractor for the project is Brasfield & Gorrie; the architect is Goodwyn Mills Cawood; and the program manager is Kemp Management Services.  

School officials, trustees and JSU Foundation board members joined alumni and community members by turning out for the ceremony at the site of the new residence hall. 

“Jacksonville State is experiencing unprecedented growth," school President Don Killingsworth said. "With this growth comes the need to invest in the future of the university. Our students need places to live, enjoy their meals and take part in campus life."   

SGA President Jewelishia Johnson said the university is creating facilities that put "students at the forefront" and meet their needs. 

She said, "The university is creating space for us as we grow and on the behalf of the students."